Suspected Leprosy Rings Alarm Bells

Posted by Communications Team on April 18, 2010

More evidence highlights need for urgent measures to revitalise Australian shipping

Confirmation that a Filipino seafarer has been in isolation in Wollongong hospital with a suspected case of Hansens disease (leprosy) for two weeks should set alarm bells ringing about the danger to health and safety of largely uncontrolled flag of convenience (FOC) ships.

The crew member, left the Greek flagged Agios

Nikolas and entered the hospital on April 3 and on at 1pm on the

same day the ship reportedly sailed with a load of coal for the

Japanese port of Fukuyama.

"There are obviously concerns for the health of the crew member here

but it's the lack of timely reporting of this case and possible

contagion to Australian and indeed Pacific and Japanese waterfront

workers that is so alarming here", said Warren Smith Assistant National